For Families & Friends

Conditions Treated with Gamma Knife Surgery

The Gamma Knife treats a number of neurological brain diseases including tumors (both cancerous and non-cancerous), functional disorders, and vascular disorders. The volume of each disease type as a percentage of overall Gamma Knife cases is:

Malignant Tumors – 45%

Benign Tumors – 29%

Functional Disorders – 15%

Vascular Disorders – 11%

Source: Leksell Gamma Knife Society

Brain tumors are abnormal growths of tissue found inside the skull, which is a primary component of the central nervous system (CNS). Malignant tumors are cancerous; benign are non-cancerous. The CNS is housed within rigid, bony quarters (i.e., the skull and spinal column), so any abnormal growth, whether benign or malignant, can place pressure on sensitive tissues and impair function. Tumors that originate in the brain or spinal cord are called primary tumors. Most primary tumors are caused by out-of-control growth among cells that surround and support neurons.